Digital flow valve and hydrogenation system

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of digital flow valve and hydrogenation system.The digital flow valve includes valve body, valve core, drive motor and control unit.Valve body is equipped with valve cavity, and input channel and output channel are respectively arranged on valve body.Valve core is rotatably arranged in the valve cavity of valve body, and multiple-stage flow path independent of each other is arranged on valve core, and the flow area of multiple-stage flow path is increased step by step.The drive motor is connected with valve core and is used to drive valve core to rotate.The control unit is electrically connected with drive motor, and is used to control the output of drive motor according to the control signal of host computer.The digital flow valve can realize the purpose of controlling fluid flow or cutting off and adjusting fluid flow by the rotation of valve core.The drive motor is arranged to drive valve core to rotate, and the output of drive motor is controlled according to the instruction of host computer by control unit, so that the precise adjustment and digital centralized control of fluid flow can be realized, the efficiency and precision of fluid flow regulation are improved, so that the target of efficient control of fluid flow can be realized according to external control instruction and local control means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen delivery technology, and in particular to a digital flow valve and a hydrogen refueling system. Background Technology

[0002] During hydrogen transportation and refueling, multiple valve adjustments are required to ensure stable hydrogen flow and rapid adjustment to the target flow rate according to instructions. Currently, most hydrogen refueling regulating valves are pneumatically driven. When the hydrogen pipeline flow needs to be changed, a controller sends a command to the pneumatic control head, which then controls the valve opening via a pneumatic device. However, when using pneumatically driven regulating valves, adjusting from a stable flow rate to the target stable flow rate requires multiple adjustment cycles. This not only leads to large airflow fluctuations and long adjustment cycles but also affects the accuracy of hydrogen pressure sensor sampling and flow meter measurement in the monitoring pipeline, thus impacting the adjustment precision. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One objective of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a digital flow valve that directly controls fluid flow based on digital signals. To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0004] A digital flow valve, comprising: The valve body has a valve cavity inside, and the valve body is provided with an input channel and an output channel that connect the valve cavity to the outside. The valve core is rotatably disposed in the valve cavity of the valve body. The valve core has independent multi-stage flow paths, and the flow area of ​​the multi-stage flow paths increases arithmetically at each stage. During the rotation of the valve core, the valve core can cut off the connection between the input channel and the output channel, or each stage of the flow path on the valve core can respectively connect the input channel and the output channel. A drive motor, which is connected to the valve core and is used to drive the valve core to rotate; The control unit is electrically connected to the drive motor. The control unit is used to receive control signals from the host computer and output drive signals to the drive motor according to the control signals to control the output of the drive motor.

[0005] In one embodiment, each flow path includes at least one through-hole, all through-holes on the valve core have equal cross-sectional areas, and the number of through-holes in the multi-stage flow paths increases arithmetically at each stage; or Each level of the flow path includes a through hole, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the through holes in the multi-level flow paths increases arithmetically at each level.

[0006] In one embodiment, there are two valve cores, which are arranged in parallel within the valve body. The flow areas of the flow paths at the same stage on the two valve cores are not equal.

[0007] In one embodiment, the difference in flow area between any two adjacent flow paths on each valve core is N, and N is equal to the flow area of ​​the smallest flow path of each valve core. The two valve cores are the first valve core and the second valve core. The flow area of ​​the minimum flow path of the first valve core is greater than the flow area of ​​the maximum flow path of the second valve core. The difference between the flow area of ​​the minimum flow path of the first valve core and the flow area of ​​the maximum flow path of the second valve core is M, and M equals N.

[0008] In one embodiment, the valve body is provided with two independent valve chambers, two valve cores are located in the two valve chambers respectively, one end of the input channel is connected to the two valve chambers respectively, the other end of the input channel is connected to the outside, one end of the output channel is connected to the two valve chambers respectively, and the other end of the output channel is connected to the outside. The number of drive motors is set to two, and the two drive motors are connected to the two valve cores respectively.

[0009] In one embodiment, the two ends of each flow path penetrate both sides of the valve core, and the corresponding ports of the multi-stage flow paths are staggered along the axial and circumferential directions of the valve core. Two elongated through slots are provided on the surface of the valve body that is in contact with the valve core. The two elongated through slots are connected to the input channel and the output channel, respectively. During the rotation of the valve core, each elongated through slot can be connected to one of the corresponding ports of the multi-stage flow path.

[0010] In one embodiment, an input connector is provided at the port where the input channel communicates with the outside world; the input connector is used to connect the input pipeline; and / or An output connector is provided at the port where the output channel connects to the outside world. The output connector is used to connect the output pipeline.

[0011] In one embodiment, the digital flow valve further includes an outer cover that covers the valve body and encloses the valve body to form a receiving cavity, and the drive motor and control unit are located in the receiving cavity.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen refueling system, including a hydrogen supply platform and a digital flow valve as described in any of the above, wherein the hydrogen supply platform is connected to the hydrogen-using equipment via the digital flow valve.

[0013] In one embodiment, the hydrogen refueling system includes a flow detection device disposed on the pipeline connecting the digital flow valve and the hydrogen-using equipment, and is used to detect the real-time flow rate output by the digital flow valve. The flow detection device is connected to the host computer via communication.

[0014] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the present invention has at least the following advantages and positive effects: In this invention, the digital flow valve includes a valve body, a valve core, a drive motor, and a control unit. The valve body has a valve cavity, and the valve body has an input channel and an output channel connecting the valve cavity to the outside. The valve core is rotatably mounted within the valve cavity of the valve body, and the valve core has independent multi-stage flow paths, with the flow area of ​​each stage increasing arithmetically. During the rotation of the valve core, the valve core can cut off the connection between the input and output channels, or each stage of the flow path on the valve core can separately connect the input and output channels. The drive motor is connected to the valve core and is used to drive the valve core to rotate. The control unit is electrically connected to the drive motor and is used to control the output of the drive motor according to the control signal from the host computer.

[0015] This digital flow valve, through the rotational engagement of the valve core and valve body, and by configuring the valve core, can either cut off the flow of external fluid or allow external fluid to flow through any flow path of the valve core. Furthermore, because the flow area of ​​the multi-stage flow paths on the valve core increases arithmetically at each stage, different flow paths can be selected by controlling the rotation of the valve core, thereby regulating the fluid flow rate. Moreover, by using a drive motor to rotate the valve core, and by controlling the output of the drive motor according to instructions from the host computer, precise regulation and centralized digital control of the fluid flow rate can be achieved, improving the efficiency and accuracy of fluid flow regulation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a digital flow valve according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows an exploded view of the digital flow valve.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the horizontal cross-section of the valve body in the structure shown.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the arrangement of the valve core and drive motor in the structure shown.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A vertical cross-sectional view of the valve body in the structure shown.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hydrogenation system according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow of a hydrogenation system according to an embodiment.

[0023] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: 100 - Digital flow valve; 200 - Hydrogen supply platform; 300 - Hydrogen consumption equipment; 400 - Flow detection device; 410 - Communication module; 500 - Host computer; 10-Valve body; 11-Valve cavity; 12-Input channel; 13-Output channel; 14-Elongated through groove; 15-Input connector; 16-Output connector; 20-Valve core; 21-Flow path; 211-Through hole; 20A-First valve core; 20B-Second valve core; 30 - Drive motor; 40 - Control unit; 50 - Outer casing. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the descriptions and illustrations herein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the present invention.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that, in the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the indications of direction or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, etc.) are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. These descriptions are appropriate when these elements are in the positions shown in the accompanying drawings. If the description of the positions of these elements changes, these directional indications also change accordingly.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the digital flow valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to control the flow of fluid and regulate the flow rate of fluid. The digital flow valve 100 mainly includes a valve body 10, a valve core 20, a drive motor 30, and a control unit 40.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the valve body 10 has a valve cavity 11, which is mainly used to accommodate the valve core 20. The valve body 10 is provided with an input channel 12 and an output channel 13 that connect the valve cavity 11 to the outside. Thus, external fluid can enter the valve cavity 11 through the input channel 12 and then be output to the outside through the output channel 13.

[0029] refer to Figure 2 The valve core 20 is rotatably disposed within the valve cavity 11 of the valve body 10. For example, the valve core 20 can be cylindrical. The shape of the valve cavity 11 within the valve body 10 matches the valve core 20; that is, the valve cavity 11 can be approximately cylindrical. The outer peripheral side of the valve core 20 contacts and seals against the wall of the valve cavity 11. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the valve core 20 can also be spherical, with the shape of the valve cavity 11 matching the valve core 20; the specific shape can be varied according to actual conditions.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 The valve core 20 has multiple independent flow paths 21, with the flow area of ​​each path increasing arithmetically at each level. During rotation of the valve core 20, it can either cut off the connection between the input channel 12 and the output channel 13, or each flow path 21 on the valve core 20 can connect the input channel 12 and the output channel 13 respectively. Therefore, by rotating the valve core 20 within the valve cavity 11, the flow of external fluid can be cut off, or external fluid can be allowed to flow through any of the flow paths 21. Furthermore, since the flow area of ​​each flow path 21 on the valve core 20 increases arithmetically at each level, different flow paths 21 can be selected by controlling the rotation of the valve core 20, thereby regulating the flow rate of the external fluid.

[0031] It is worth noting that the progressively increasing circulation area of ​​the multi-level circulation path 21 means that in any two adjacent circulation paths 21, the difference between the circulation area of ​​the later circulation path 21 and the circulation area of ​​the earlier circulation path 21 is a fixed value. For ease of explanation, this fixed value is defined as N.

[0032] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the valve core 20 can be provided with 9 flow paths 21, namely the 1st, 2nd, 3rd...9th stages. The flow area of ​​the 1st stage flow path 21 is the smallest, such as S, then the flow area of ​​the 2nd stage flow path 21 is S+N. The flow area of ​​the 3rd stage flow path 21 is S+N+N...the flow area of ​​the 9th stage flow path 21 is S+8N. During the rotation of the valve core 20, each flow path 21 can respectively connect the input channel 12 and the output channel 13, allowing external fluid to pass through any flow path 21.

[0033] Optionally, on the valve core 20, the difference N between the flow areas of any two adjacent flow paths 21 can be equal to the flow area of ​​the smallest flow path of the valve core, such as the flow area S of the first flow path 21. That is, N can be equal to S. Therefore, the flow areas of the multiple flow paths 21 on the valve core 20 can increase progressively in multiples of S. That is, if the flow area of ​​the first flow path 21 is S, then the flow area of ​​the second flow path 21 is 2S, the flow area of ​​the third flow path 21 is 3S, and so on, until the flow area of ​​the ninth flow path 21 is 9S. By setting it in this way, the flow rate allowed through each flow path 21 on the valve core 20 can be linearly correlated with its own level, which is conducive to achieving precise digital flow regulation. For example, if a certain multiple of flow rate is needed, it is directly known which flow path 21 to open. This further improves the intuitive, digital, and efficient control of flow rate by the digital flow valve.

[0034] See Figure 4 In one embodiment, each flow path 21 includes at least one through hole 211. All through holes 211 on the valve core 20 have the same cross-sectional area, and the number of through holes 211 in the multi-level flow paths 21 increases arithmetically at each level. For example, assuming all through holes 211 on the valve core 20 are identical circular through holes 211, and each through hole 211 has a cross-sectional area of ​​S, then the first-level flow path 21 may include one through hole 211 with a flow area of ​​1S; the second-level flow path 21 may include two through holes 211 with a flow area of ​​2S; the third-level flow path 21 may include three through holes 211 with a flow area of ​​3S… and so on, up to the ninth-level flow path 21 may include nine through holes 211 with a flow area of ​​9S. Thus, each flow path 21 allows for a different fluid flow rate, allowing the fluid to flow through different flow paths 21 when the valve core 20 rotates, thereby achieving flow rate regulation. Furthermore, the flow rate allowed through each level of the circulation path 21 is linearly related to its own level, which is conducive to achieving precise digital regulation of the flow rate.

[0035] Alternatively, in other embodiments, each flow path 21 may include a through hole 211, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the through holes 211 of the multi-level flow paths 21 increases arithmetically at each level, such as S, 2S, 3S...9S. The specific configuration can be determined according to actual needs.

[0036] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3In one embodiment, there are two valve cores 20, which are arranged in parallel within the valve body 10. Optionally, the valve body 10 has two independent valve chambers 11, and the two valve cores 20 are located in the two valve chambers 11 respectively. One end of the input channel 12 is connected to both valve chambers 11, and the other end of the input channel 12 is connected to the outside. One end of the output channel 13 is connected to both valve chambers 11, and the other end of the output channel 13 is connected to the outside.

[0037] Optionally, an input connector 15 is provided at the port where the input channel 12 connects to the outside world. The input connector 15 is used to connect the input pipeline. The input connector 15 can be a standard pipe fitting, which facilitates quick connection between the digital flow valve 100 and the input pipeline.

[0038] An output connector 16 is provided at the port where the output channel 13 connects to the outside world. The output connector 16 is used to connect the output pipeline. The output connector 16 can be a standard pipe fitting, which facilitates the quick connection between the digital flow valve 100 and the output pipeline.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the flow areas of the flow paths 21 at the same level on the two valve cores 20 are not equal. For example, the two valve cores 20 can be referred to as the first valve core 20A and the second valve core 20B, respectively. The first valve core 20A and the second valve core 20B are each provided with nine levels of flow paths 21, as described above. The cross-sectional area of ​​each through hole 211 on the first valve core 20A can be S1, and the cross-sectional area of ​​each through hole 211 on the second valve core 20B can be S2, where S1 ≠ S2, thus making the flow areas of the flow paths 21 at the same level on the first valve core 20A and the second valve core 20B unequal. For example, the flow area of ​​the second-level flow path 21 on the first valve core 20A can be 2S1, and the flow area of ​​the second-level flow path 21 on the second valve core 20B can be 2S2, where 2S1 ≠ 2S2.

[0040] Furthermore, assuming the cross-sectional area of ​​each through hole 211 on the first valve core 20A is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each through hole 211 on the second valve core 20B, that is, S1 is greater than S2. Therefore, the flow rate of a certain flow path 21 on the first valve core 20A per unit time will be greater than the flow rate of the corresponding flow path 21 on the second valve core 20B per unit time. Thus, both large and small flow rates can be adjusted through these two valve cores 20, thereby broadening the adjustment range and accuracy of the digital flow valve 100 and expanding its applicable operating conditions.

[0041] Optionally, the flow area of ​​the minimum primary flow path 21 of the first valve core 20A is greater than the flow area of ​​the maximum primary flow path 21 of the second valve core 20B. The difference between the flow area of ​​the minimum primary flow path 21 of the first valve core 20A and the flow area of ​​the maximum primary flow path 21 of the second valve core 20B is M, where M equals N. Specifically, when N=S, M=S.

[0042] For example, referring to the preceding text, assuming the flow area of ​​the first-stage flow path 21 on the second valve core 20B is S, since the difference in flow area between any two adjacent flow paths 21 on the second valve core 20B is equal to the flow area of ​​the smallest first-stage flow path 21 of the second valve core 20B (i.e., the flow area of ​​the first-stage flow path 21 is S), then the flow area of ​​the second-stage flow path 21 of the second valve core 20B is 2S... and the flow area of ​​the ninth-stage flow path 21 is 9S. That is, the flow area of ​​the largest first-stage flow path 21 of the second valve core 20B is 9S.

[0043] Therefore, the flow area of ​​the smallest first-stage flow path 21 on the first valve core 20A, i.e., the first-stage flow path 21, can be 9S + M. Since M = S, the flow area of ​​the first-stage flow path 21 on the first valve core 20A is 10S. Similarly, since the difference in flow area between any two adjacent flow paths 21 on the first valve core 20A is equal to the flow area of ​​the smallest first-stage flow path 21 of the first valve core 20A, i.e., 10S, the flow area of ​​the second-stage flow path 21 on the first valve core 20A is 10S + 10S = 20S, the flow area of ​​the third-stage flow path 21 is 30S, and so on, until the flow area of ​​the ninth-stage flow path 21 is 90S. Thus, when adjusting the flow rate through the two valve cores 20 (A and B), the flow paths 21 on both valve cores 20 can be selected simultaneously, or the flow path on any valve core 20 can be selected, to achieve precise and rapid adjustment of any flow rate between S and 99S. This helps to broaden the adjustment range and accuracy of the digital flow valve 100, and expand the applicable operating conditions of the digital flow valve 100.

[0044] See Figure 2 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the two ends of each flow path 21 penetrate both sides of the valve core 20, and the corresponding ports of the multi-stage flow paths 21 are staggered along the axial and circumferential directions of the valve core 20. That is, the input port of the multi-stage flow path 21 is staggered along the axial and circumferential directions of the valve core 20, and the output port of the multi-stage flow path 21 is also staggered along the axial and circumferential directions of the valve core 20. This facilitates the independent and spaced arrangement of each flow path 21 on the valve core 20, and allows each flow path 21 to selectively connect to the input channel 12 and the output channel 13.

[0045] like Figure 5As shown, two elongated through slots 14 are formed on the surface of the valve body 10 that mates with the valve core 20. The two elongated through slots 14 are connected to the input channel 12 and the output channel 13, respectively. Optionally, in the example where there are two valve cores 20, two elongated through slots 14 are provided on the valve body 10 for each valve core 20. That is, a total of four elongated through slots 14 are provided inside the valve body 10.

[0046] During the rotation of the valve core 20, each elongated groove 14 can selectively connect to one of the corresponding ports of the multi-stage flow path 21. That is, the elongated groove 14 connected to the input channel 12 can selectively connect to the port at the input end of the multi-stage flow path 21. The elongated groove 14 connected to the output channel 13 can selectively connect to the port at the output end of the multi-stage flow path 21.

[0047] See Figure 2 As shown, the drive motor 30 is connected to the valve core 20 and is used to drive the valve core 20 to rotate. Optionally, the number of drive motors 30 is set to two, and the two drive motors 30 are respectively connected to the two valve cores 20.

[0048] Optionally, the output shaft of the drive motor 30 can be connected to the spindle of the valve core 20 via a coupling, so as to realize the connection between the drive motor 30 and the valve core 20 and drive the valve core 20 to rotate.

[0049] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the output shaft of the drive motor 30 can be inserted into the hole of the valve core 20, and the drive motor 30 and the valve core 20 can be connected and the valve core 20 can be driven to rotate by a keyway and a flat key. The specific configuration can be made according to actual needs.

[0050] Alternatively, the drive motor 30 can be a stepper motor, which can output torque to drive the valve core 20 to rotate around its own axis. Using a stepper motor as the drive source allows for precise control of the rotation angle of the valve core 20 through open-loop control, eliminating the need for position sensors and helping to reduce costs.

[0051] It is understood that in other embodiments, the drive motor 30 may also be a voice coil motor or a linear motor, as long as it can achieve the purpose of driving the valve core 20 to rotate.

[0052] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 40 is electrically connected to the drive motor 30. The control unit 40 is used to control the output of the drive motor 30 according to the control signal from the host computer 500. The host computer 500 can be a cloud controller, computer, industrial computer, or tablet computer, etc. The control signal can be a target flow signal and / or a signal to activate any flow path of the valve core, etc.

[0053] Optionally, the control unit 40 may be a control circuit board, a PLC, or other control components.

[0054] In this embodiment, after the control unit 40 receives the control signal from the host computer 500, it can generate a drive command based on the control signal to control the output state of the drive motor 30. For example, the control unit 40 can control the output torque, speed, and rotation angle of the stepper motor to control the rotation of the valve core 20, thereby enabling the valve core 20 to allow external fluid to flow through a certain flow path 21 or to cut off the flow of external fluid.

[0055] Optionally, the control unit 40 can also detect the operating current or rotational position of the drive motor 30 and generate a feedback signal to send to the host computer 500 to form a closed-loop control, depending on the specific situation.

[0056] See Figure 2 In one embodiment, the digital flow valve 100 further includes an outer cover 50, which covers the valve body 10 and encloses the valve body 10 to form a receiving cavity. The drive motor 30 and the control unit 40 are located within the receiving cavity. Optionally, the outer cover 50 can be connected and fixed to the valve body 10 by a detachable connection method such as snap-fit ​​or bolt connection, which can be set according to the actual situation.

[0057] See Figure 6 Another embodiment of the present invention provides a hydrogen refueling system, which includes a hydrogen supply platform 200 and a digital flow valve 100 in any of the above embodiments, wherein the hydrogen supply platform 200 is connected to the hydrogen-using device 300 via the digital flow valve 100.

[0058] For example, the hydrogen supply platform 200 can be a hydrogen storage cylinder group, and the hydrogen outlet pipeline of the hydrogen storage cylinder group can be connected to the input channel 12 of the digital flow valve 100 through the input pipeline.

[0059] The hydrogen-using device 300 can be a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. The output channel 13 of the digital flow valve 100 can be connected to the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle through an output pipeline. Thus, the digital flow valve 100 can control the addition or cessation of hydrogen addition, as well as adjust the flow rate of hydrogen during the addition process.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the hydrogen refueling system includes a flow detection device 400, which can be used to detect the real-time flow rate output by the digital flow valve 100. Optionally, the flow detection device 400 can be a flow meter. The flow meter can be installed on the pipeline connecting the digital flow valve 100 and the hydrogen-using device 300. For example, the flow meter can be installed on the output pipeline.

[0061] Optionally, the flow detection device 400 can communicate with the host computer 500 via the communication module 410. The flow detection device 400 can feed back the detected real-time flow signal to the host computer 500, forming a closed-loop control.

[0062] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the flow detection device 400 can be directly electrically connected to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 can control the output of the drive motor 30 based on the real-time flow detected by the flow detection device 400. The specific settings can be configured according to the actual working conditions.

[0063] When using the hydrogenation system of this embodiment, as described above, it is assumed that the two valve cores 20 of the digital flow valve 100 can form a total of 99 adjustment positions from S to 99S.

[0064] When the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle arrives at the hydrogen refueling station to refuel, after the refueling equipment is reliably connected to the vehicle, the host computer 500 can remotely issue a target flow refueling command and a command to open the first flow level (S) to the control unit 40, that is, open the first-stage flow path 21 on the second valve core 20B. At the same time, the host computer 500 obtains the real-time flow of the output pipeline through the flow detection device 400.

[0065] Assuming the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the digital flow valve 100 is constant, the target flow rate is 5 kg / min, and the first flow rate is 0.1 kg / min, after the host computer 500 reads the real-time flow rate (currently 0.1 kg / min), it issues a command to the control unit 40 to select the 50th flow rate (50 seconds), which means opening the 5th stage flow path 21 on the first valve core 20A. The control unit 40 then controls the stepper motor to rotate the first valve core 20A by a certain angle, causing the digital flow valve 100 to quickly adjust to the 50th flow rate and reach the 5 kg / min flow value.

[0066] After a period of refueling, when the target flow rate needs to be adjusted to 3Kg / min, the host computer 500 issues a command to the control unit 40 to select the 30th flow level (30S), and the digital flow valve 100 can quickly adjust to the 30th flow level and achieve a flow rate of 3Kg / min.

[0067] Understandably, assuming the target flow rate is 3.5 kg / min, the host computer 500 can issue a command to the control unit 40 to select the 35th flow level (35 seconds), which means that the fifth-level flow path 21 on the second valve core 20B and the third-level flow path 21 on the first valve core 20A need to be opened simultaneously. The control unit 40 will control two stepper motors to drive the two valve cores 20 to rotate by the corresponding angle, so that the digital flow valve 100 can quickly adjust to the 35th flow level and achieve a flow rate of 3.5 kg / min.

[0068] refer to Figure 6 During hydrogenation, filling must be carried out at the approved target flow rate Q0. If the target flow rate is greater than the maximum filling flow rate, filling will be carried out at the maximum flow rate. Assuming that the two valve cores 20 of the digital flow valve 100 can form a total of 100 adjustment positions from 0 to 99, the 0 position refers to the position where all valve cores 20 are in the position of cutting off the connection between the input channel 12 and the output channel 13, i.e., the valve is closed.

[0069] Assuming K represents the valve position value, where K=0 indicates the valve is closed, and K=99 indicates the valve's flow area is at its maximum. Under constant pressure, the target flow rate / real-time flow rate = target valve position value / current valve position value, i.e., target valve position value = (target flow rate value / real-time flow rate value) / current valve position value. The target flow rate is calculated as follows: (Current valve position value) / Real-time flow rate value. The target flow rate value can be directly input to the control unit 40 via the control panel or remotely transmitted to the control unit 40 via the host computer 500. The real-time flow rate value can be collected in real-time by the control unit 40 through the flow detection device 400. By comparing and calculating the target flow rate value and the real-time flow rate value, the control unit 40 can automatically adjust the valve position to bring the real-time flow rate value closer to the target flow rate value, thereby achieving the goal of constant flow hydrogen filling. The detailed process is roughly as follows: The control unit 40 receives the target flow value Q0 and the current actual flow value (i.e., real-time flow value) information Q.

[0070] 1. If the control unit 40 detects that the valve is in the closed state (K=0), then the control unit 40 can adjust the valve to the first position (K=1). Afterwards, the control unit 40 uses the flow detection device 400 to monitor the real-time hydrogen flow rate Q1 through the pipeline. According to the formula, the target position value K0=Q0. K / Q1, the control unit 40 calculates K0 and adjusts the valve position to reach K0. During this process, if the real-time flow value deviates from the target flow value, the control unit 40 will adjust the valve position in real time based on the target flow value and the real-time flow value.

[0071] 2. Control unit 40 detects that the valve is in the non-closed state. Assuming K=m, control unit 40 uses flow detection device 400 to detect the real-time hydrogen flow rate (i.e., real-time flow rate) Q through the pipeline. According to the formula, the target gear value K0=Q0. In the K / Q process, control unit 40 calculates K0 and adjusts the valve position to reach K0. During this process, if the real-time flow rate deviates from the target flow rate, control unit 40 will adjust the valve position in real time based on the target flow rate and the real-time flow rate. If, during the adjustment process, the target flow rate exceeds the maximum adjustable flow rate of the valve, then K=99.

[0072] refer to Figure 7 During the hydrogenation process, the control unit 40 generally performs the following steps:

[0073] S1, the control unit 40 receives the target flow rate value and the real-time flow rate value, and executes S2.

[0074] S2, determine the current state of digital flow valve 100. If K=0, meaning the valve is closed, then execute S3. If K≠0, meaning the valve is open, then execute S4.

[0075] S3, control unit 40 adjusts the valve position to K=1, and then executes S4.

[0076] S4, the control unit 40 receives the real-time hydrogen flow rate value Q from the pipeline and executes S5.

[0077] S5, Control Unit 40 calculates the target gear value: K0=Q0 K / Q. In this step, the control unit 40 can calculate the target gear value K0 using a formula, and then execute S6.

[0078] S6. If the calculated target level value exceeds 99, i.e., K0≥99, it means that even activating the maximum flow rate cannot achieve the expected flow rate, then proceed to S7. If K0 is less than 99, K0 is the selected channel level value, then proceed to S8.

[0079] S7, K0=99, control unit 40 selects the maximum valve position channel.

[0080] S8, control unit 40 adjusts valve position K=K0, control unit 40 opens the selected channel, executes S9.

[0081] S9, the control unit 40 receives the hydrogen flow rate Q from the pipeline in real time. The control unit 40 adjusts the valve position in real time based on the received hydrogen flow rate from the pipeline.

[0082] S10, Received a closing command. Upon receiving the closing command, execute S11 to close the valve. Otherwise, execute S4.

[0083] S11, Control unit 40 adjusts valve position K=0, closes valve, and process ends.

[0084] The digital flow valve and hydrogenation system of this invention, through the rotational engagement of the valve core and valve body, and the configuration of the valve core, can achieve the purpose of cutting off the flow of external fluid, or allowing external fluid to flow through any flow path of the valve core. Furthermore, since the flow area of ​​the multi-stage flow paths on the valve core increases arithmetically at each stage, different flow paths can be selected by controlling the rotation of the valve core, thereby achieving the regulation of the fluid flow rate.

[0085] Furthermore, by setting up a drive motor to rotate the valve core, and by controlling the output of the drive motor through the control unit according to the instructions from the host computer, precise regulation and centralized digital control of fluid flow can be achieved, improving the efficiency and accuracy of fluid flow regulation. Thus, the digital flow valve can achieve the goal of efficient fluid flow control based on external control commands and in conjunction with local control methods.

[0086] The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples of structures. The structures in each embodiment are not fixed combinations. In the absence of structural conflicts, the structures in multiple embodiments can be arbitrarily combined and used.

[0087] Although the invention has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is illustrative and exemplary, and not restrictive. Since the invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A digital flow valve, characterized in that, include: A valve body, which has a valve cavity inside, and an input channel and an output channel that connect the valve cavity to the outside. A valve core is rotatably disposed within the valve cavity of the valve body. The valve core has multiple independent flow paths, and the flow area of ​​the multiple flow paths increases arithmetically at each level. During the rotation of the valve core, the valve core can cut off the connection between the input channel and the output channel, or each flow path on the valve core can respectively connect the input channel and the output channel. A drive motor is connected to the valve core and is used to drive the valve core to rotate; A control unit, which is electrically connected to the drive motor, is used to receive control signals from a host computer and output drive signals to the drive motor according to the control signals, so as to control the output of the drive motor.

2. The digital flow valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each flow path at each stage includes at least one through hole, and all through holes on the valve core have the same cross-sectional area. The number of through holes in the multi-stage flow paths increases arithmetically at each stage; or Each level of the flow path includes a through hole, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the through holes in the multi-level flow paths increases arithmetically at each level.

3. The digital flow valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core is two, and the two valve cores are arranged in parallel in the valve body; The flow areas of the flow paths at the same level on the two valve cores are not equal.

4. The digital flow valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The difference in flow area between any two adjacent flow paths on each valve core is N, and N is equal to the flow area of ​​the smallest flow path on each valve core. The two valve cores are a first valve core and a second valve core, respectively. The flow area of ​​the minimum flow path of the first valve core is greater than the flow area of ​​the maximum flow path of the second valve core, and the difference between the flow area of ​​the minimum flow path of the first valve core and the flow area of ​​the maximum flow path of the second valve core is M, where M equals N.

5. The digital flow valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve body is provided with two independent valve chambers, and the two valve cores are respectively located in the two valve chambers. One end of the input channel is connected to the two valve chambers respectively, and the other end of the input channel is connected to the outside. One end of the output channel is connected to the two valve chambers respectively, and the other end of the output channel is connected to the outside. The number of drive motors is set to two, and the two drive motors are respectively connected to the two valve cores.

6. The digital flow valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of each flow path penetrate both sides of the valve core, and the corresponding ports of the multiple flow paths are staggered along the axial and circumferential directions of the valve core. The valve body has two elongated slots on its surface that is in contact with the valve core. The two elongated slots are respectively connected to the input channel and the output channel. During the rotation of the valve core, each elongated slot can be connected to one of the corresponding ports of the multi-stage flow path.

7. The digital flow valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, An input connector is provided at the port where the input channel connects to the outside world; the input connector is used to connect to the input pipeline; and / or The output channel is provided with an output connector at the port that connects to the outside world. The output connector is used to connect the output pipeline.

8. The digital flow valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an outer cover, which covers the valve body and surrounds the valve body to form a receiving cavity, and the drive motor and the control unit are located in the receiving cavity.

9. A hydrogenation system, characterized in that, It includes a hydrogen supply platform and a digital flow valve as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the hydrogen supply platform is connected to a hydrogen-using device via the digital flow valve.

10. The hydrogenation system according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a flow detection device, which is installed on the pipeline connecting the digital flow valve and the hydrogen-using equipment, and is used to detect the real-time flow rate output by the digital flow valve; The flow detection device is connected to the host computer via communication.

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